Viennese chairs: A case study for modern industrialization

We examine the Austro-Hungarian bentwood furniture industry as a case study for modern industrialization during the second half of the nineteenth century. We establish that, through the implementation of innovative production methods and aggressive and insightful marketing strategies, this industry constitutes an important example of the modern industrial enterprise. Furthermore, we find evidence of cooperative behavior in the industry, making it an interesting case study in the history of industrial organization.